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Discovered in the vestry of All Saints' Church in Jesus Lane, experts believe it is similar to banners made by May Morris, daughter of Victorian textiles pioneer William Morris, and would probably have been held aloft during political marches.

All Saints' Church in Jesus Lane

Chana James, of the Churches Conservation Trust, said volunteers at All Saints' were seeking more information about the banner’s history.

She said: "The interior of the church, with its brightly-painted walls and ceilings, is a celebrated example of early Arts & Crafts design, the movement created by Victorian architect, G F Bodley and with links to William Morris.

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"All Saints’ has a collection of Victorian textiles, and the discovery of the banner has generated much discussion amongst staff and volunteers. It inspired volunteer Margaret Waring, who has a particular interest in historic textiles, to do some detective work to try to find out more about it."

Margaret said: "As an artist using textiles, I have an interest in the techniques and materials used in ecclesiastical items. So it was a great surprise to find a banner at All Saints' which didn't fit the expected, with its overt political message painted on canvas. I was intrigued as to how it arrived in the church."

Staff and volunteers are keen to find out more (Picture: Joseph Casey)

She is giving a talk at All Saints’ on Saturday (July 29) at 2pm, which includes a discussion of the banner's origins.

Chana said: "This is followed by an opportunity to see the wider collection of textiles, which are not normally on display to the public and to enjoy a tour of the church.

"The banner fascinates me and I’m sure it has a very interesting story to tell. I’d love to find out why it was made and even to see a photo of it in use around Cambridge - that would be the icing on the cake. If anyone has a photo of this, please get in touch, by emailing cambridge@thecct.org.uk

"That same address must be used to book a place on the talk, as places are limited."